Bernardo Cervellera

A Catholic Way of the Cross destroyed, domestic communities shut down and scattered. Officially, it is to “beautify” the city by destroying buildings held to be “illegal”. But the real reason is that it is an attempt to eliminate anything that contrasts the Party’s power and seize land for property development . Religions are the biggest threat to society (ie the Party ) . A Protestant minister : You can destroy a building, but not the church as a community.

In the holy city of Qom, the shrine dedicated to the sister of the eighth imam is within distance of least 50 theological schools, teeming with tens of thousands of students, seminarians and lay people, and not all Iranian. All schools have well-equipped libraries where works in science, history, philosophy, psychology, and other religions are studied and translated. One example is the University of Religions and Denominations. Here is the second part of the report on Iran.

Milk powder for children, medical drugs and X-ray machines and other medical equipment are in short supply. Pollution caused by the embargo on coal gas causes 22,000 deaths per year in Tehran alone. In little more than ten years, the number of cancer cases increased by 181 per cent. As foreign trade shrunk, unemployment rose. Sanctions help radicals enrich themselves through smuggling. As nuclear talks resume tomorrow in Vienna, hopes rise. This is the first part of a report on Iran.

There are signs of change in Tehran and Yangon, but they are being held back by the old guard. The gap between rich and poor is growing, unemployment and educational systems on the brink of collapse. The international community and the churches must engage in the world of education and to ensure full religious freedom, both vital tools for development.

Easter, victory over death and impotence

The Chinese president signed agreements worth tens of billions of Euros in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. He also stayed clear of any press conference. At the College of Europe in Bruges, he presented his dream of a new trillion-dollar Silk Road. Yet, he also made it clear that at home, the monopoly of power stays with the Party, squashing any dream for political reform in China. On the Internet, netizens disagree with him.

He spent about 30 years in prison or forced labor camps. Designated successor to Card. Kung Pin-mei, he never had the freedom to exercise his ministry. The government replaced him with Msgr. Jin Luxian, who died last year. The only bishop left in Shanghai, is Msgr. Ma Daqin who is under house arrest. The Pope’s blessing through AsiaNews.

Since becoming the “bishop of Rome” on March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been transforming the Church with his personal witness. His appeal for a Church of the poor, an outward bound Church, ‘the worlds' field hospital’ are the best fruit of the Second Vatican Council. Conservative and progressive interpretations abound, right and left, but this Pope just wants the world to encounter the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Our reporting acts as a bridge to meet and share the life of people from other cultures and continents. Like Pope Francis, we welcome those who are hurt, through virtual tools as well.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress announces the decision today. Easing the one-child policy should only result in "a slight increase in births," as the state will retain power over population controls. Re-education through labour centres will also be abolished, but all standing legal laojiao penalties remain in place and no one released will be able to suit his or her jailers. Bishops and priests imprisoned for years should be able to return to their dioceses. The abolition of laojiao could however just be a cosmetic operation.

Pope Francis's apostolic exhortation is a great comfort for those who seek to build bridges to each other, without fear of going against public feelings. The "mild light of Christ" can confound and ultimately cancel the artificial light of the world. Best wishes from AsiaNews to its readers and friends; that they may "work" with the Saviour who is born.

The two young priests gave catechism classes to adults in Qinyuan . Faithful who helped them are fined. Some Catholics hope that the concentration of power in the National Security Council will lessen patriotic association’s power and enhance religious freedom. Others fear the situation will worsen because reforms reaffirm the Communist Party monopoly of power.